What can trigger keratosis pilaris? What can you do if you already have it? And can you prevent the condition getting worse? Keratosis pilaris is a common-yet-harmless skin condition which appears as small, hard bumps on your skin, that may make your skin feel like sandpaper. These bumps are often light in colour and can usually be seen on the upper arms, thighs or buttocks. They can also cause redness and swelling. Apart from some itching, keratosis pilaris is not painful and it won’t get worse if untreated. Many children and teens can experience keratosis pilaris and this usually disappears as they get older.
What can trigger keratosis pilaris?
Put simply, it’s a build-up of keratin which is a natural protein found within the skin that protects it from infection as well as other harmful elements. This build-up forms a plug that blocks the openings of the hair follicle.
Doctors aren’t sure why this happens and what triggers this build-up. If you have dry skin, you’re more likely to develop keratosis pilaris and the condition is usually worse in winter, when there tends to be less moisture in the air. The condition can improve, significantly in the summer months. You might also suffer with keratosis pilaris if you have other dry skin conditions such as eczema (atopic dermatitis).
What can you do if you have keratosis pilaris?
Although there is no specific cure for KP, with a choice of non-surgical procedures and consistent skincare you can manage your condition. And also reduce the appearance significantly.
Tip 1 – Soothe your skin with moisturising lotion after every shower or bath. Also make sure you apply to the skin while it’s still dump.
Tip 2 – Gently exfoliate and gently wash your skin to remove dead skin cells.
Tip 3 – Use skincare that contain ingredients which will soothe your skin, make it softer and loosen the dead skin cells. These could be glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or tretinoins.
Tip 4 – Never rub your skin, but pat dry after shower or batch.
Tip 5 – If you suffer from a severe case of KP that causes you a lot of redness and itching you may be prescribed steroid creams by your GP. Although only resort to this as the last option. As steroids can make your skin thin and sensitive.
Disclaimer! For the most suitable skincare always consult your trusted skin practitioner or GP.
To learn more about Keratosis Pilaris and how could you manage your condition why not contact our Expert team who can assess your skin and advise you on appropriate skin care.
How to book an appointment?
As the first step of your hair removal journey at Skin Perfection London, we request that you attend a no-obligation consultation and patch test. Firstly, this gives you the opportunity to learn more about the process. How does the treatment work? Why is it effective? How many treatments you need? What’s the best treatment for your skin? How to prepare your skin for the treatment? And about the contraindications to the treatment. Finally to confirm suitability we’ll carry out a quick patch test.
We are looking forward to welcoming you at SP. Our highly trained and skilled aesthetic practitioners have many years of experience, so you can be confident you’re in the best hands. And, you can be sure, you’ll always have a stress-free relaxing experience.
Contact our team today to book an appointment.
